“It may look like I’ve been away, but honestly, I’ve been quite busy all these years,” said Zeishan Quadri, clarifying that he was never out of the entertainment industry. Best known for writing Gangs of Wasseypur and playing "Definite" in the same, the actor-director said the combination of writing and acting continues to inspire him. Now all set to participate in the latest season of Bigg Boss, Quadri spoke candidly about his journey, why he agreed to join the show, his game plan, and more in this exclusive interview with indianexpress.com, right before entering the house. Q. You have been a part of the industry for over a decade now. How would you describe your journey? Zeishan Quadri: It’s been a fantastic ride. My journey began with Gangs of Wasseypur, which gave me recognition and shaped me as an artist. It’s one of Hindi cinema’s cult films, and many films and OTT series have since followed its template. My directorial debut, Meeruthiya Gangsters, was critically acclaimed and watched by millions on YouTube. I won awards like IIFA, Filmfare, TOIFA, and SAIFF for Best Dialogue for the GOW duology. From there on, every project — whether as actor, writer, or director — has been a chance to grow. The last decade has had its challenges, but also memorable collaborations. Honestly, I still feel this is just the beginning; there are many more stories to tell. Q. You have done it all — acting, writing, directing, and producing. Which role do you enjoy the most, and why? Zeishan Quadri: If I had to choose, I’d say writing and acting. Writing allows me to create worlds and characters from scratch, while acting is about surrendering to someone else’s truth. Writing makes me the creator, acting makes me the creation. That balance keeps me inspired. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zeishan Quadri (@zeishanquadri83) Q. Your last noted gig was in 2019, and Meeruthiya Gangsters before that in 2015. What has kept you away all these years? Zeishan Quadri: It may seem like I’ve been away, but I’ve been working consistently. As a writer, I worked on Chhalaang and Bicchoo Ka Khel, and I’ve been developing several scripts. As an actor, I was part of Your Honor and, more recently, Bloody Daddy. Some projects are still underway, and I prefer to talk about them closer to release. For me, it’s always about quality over quantity. Q. Why did you decide to participate in Bigg Boss 19? Is this your comeback? Zeishan Quadri: I was approached in 2022 and 2023, but I couldn’t spare the time then. This year felt right. Bigg Boss is the most-watched show in India, and I see it as a platform to connect with people beyond my work. I wouldn’t call it a comeback — more like opening a new chapter and letting the world see the real Zeishan Quadri. Q. This show tests contestants to their limits. What strategy have you planned to survive? Zeishan Quadri: Honestly, I don’t have one. Bigg Boss isn’t scripted; you can’t plan every move in such an unpredictable space. My only approach is to be myself, stay honest, and handle things as they come. Q. Living under the camera 24x7 with strangers can affect mental health. How do you plan to cope? Zeishan Quadri: I know it can be tough, but I’m going in with honesty. I won’t wear a mask or put on an act. I’ll live as I do in my everyday life. This is new even for me, so I’m ready to learn, adapt and see how I handle the pressure. Q. You’ll be giving up food choices, personal time, and daily comforts. How will you deal with that? Zeishan Quadri: Yes, Bigg Boss means giving up comforts, but I see it positively. I want to use the experience to push myself and become fitter, mentally and physically. Sometimes discipline brings out the best in you. Q. What do you hope to achieve? How long do you think you can last? Zeishan Quadri: Like every participant, I want to win. Beyond that, I want people to connect with me as a person, not just through my work. That connection, along with the drive to win, will keep me going as long as it takes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zeishan Quadri (@zeishanquadri83) Q. Did you prepare physically or mentally for the show? Zeishan Quadri: Not at all. You can’t prepare for Bigg Boss — it’s unpredictable. My only approach is to walk in as I am, take each day as it comes, and let the experience shape me. Q. What qualities will help you survive, and which might work against you? Zeishan Quadri: My strength is that I’m straightforward and unfiltered. What I feel is what I say. But I can also be impulsive. I react instantly without overthinking — I don’t know if that will work for or against me. But I’d rather stay real, flaws included. Q. Were your family and friends supportive of your decision? Zeishan Quadri: Absolutely! In fact, they’re more excited than I am. They’ve always believed in me and see Bigg Boss as a great platform. Their encouragement gives me confidence.
